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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-singles-serve-not-from-alley

In singles, may you serve standing behind the doubles alley part of the baseline?

No. In singles you must stand inside the singles sideline. In doubles it is allowed.

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  1. Yes, anywhere behind the baseline
  2. Only on the second serve
  3. No, only in doubles ✔

Why: In singles the server must stand between the center mark and the singles sideline. Standing behind the alley is allowed only in doubles.

Huh, didn't know that: Stepping outside the imaginary extension of the sideline during the service motion is a foot fault.

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I tried to serve from the alley in singles. The umpire said that was a dead end.
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References

Answer: No, only in doubles. In singles the server must stand between the center mark and the singles sideline. Standing behind the alley is allowed only in doubles.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 18 Foot Fault, Case 1 www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    Decision: No. However, in doubles this is permitted.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 18 Foot Fault, Case 1 www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    serve standing behind the part of the baseline between the singles sideline and the doubles sideline
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessHow wide is a tennis court for doubles, counting the alleys?Sports & FitnessWhat happens when a server misses both the first and second serve?Sports & FitnessUnder standard ITF rules, a serve clips the net and lands in the correct box. What happens?

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